tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8030144.post6053009255908786336..comments2023-10-29T11:50:25.742+02:00Comments on My Obiter Dicta: In the Mushroom's ShadowJeffrey R. Woolfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11315625918870195028noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8030144.post-74163078430562926242006-11-21T15:39:00.000+02:002006-11-21T15:39:00.000+02:00I appreciate your use of Richard Landes' language....I appreciate your use of Richard Landes' language. Unfortunately, as he has argued, the Arab-Israeli problem is not a zero-sum game, but a negative-sum game. <br />ZS: there is only 100% to split between the two of us. If you get some (say 20%) it means I don't get that much (the 20%). So I wish that you don't get anything, since you getting a portion necessarily means I get that much less.<br />NS: where the Palestinians are willing to lose a great deal in order that Israel should lose [relatively] less.<br /><br />Example of the wishes:<br />You are offered anything, but your enemy will get double of what you wish. ZS: I want to be blind in one eye. <br />You are offered anything, but your enemy gets half. NS: I want to be blind in both eyes.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8030144.post-60353875897877464532006-11-21T11:10:00.000+02:002006-11-21T11:10:00.000+02:00Sorry, I have trouble taking Iran seriously, I don...Sorry, I have trouble taking Iran seriously, I don't know why (head in the sand, perhaps?). I just think that the powers that be won't let it happen, and don't think that Iran *really* wants to get into this. <br />Of course, the situation is not good.<br /><br />Your cry for teshuva I find frustrating. I have heard this call so often and have found it largely pointless. More direction is needed: how? in what areas? what is the goal? how to reach those who don't buy into the religious system in a climate of isolation and denigration of the other, writ large? how do we elect new leaders, just like that? are we capable of striking Iran? how can we ensure safety post-strike? We need a step-by-step plan, not just cries in the dark. Otherwise you are adding to the general sense of frustration and widespread sense of inability with your own voice. <br /><br />I feel the same way you do, basically, but I do not see a way to alter the course. If there were some way/institution, I would jump on board!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com